10:15 a . mM Saturday Morning Book Club: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor (Age 18+) 5-9 p . m Winterfest with Mishawaka Parks Ironworks Plaza
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
10:30 a . mB Make with Us: Needle Felted Ornaments (Age 18+)
3:30 p . mB Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg . Required4:30 p . mM Kids in the Kitchen (Grades 3-5) 10:15 a m .M Early Explorers (Age 5 & under)No Reg . Required -
3:30 p m .M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required4:30 p m .M Kids in the Kitchen (Grades K-2) 5-7 p . mM Local Author Fair (Age 18+)No Reg Required -
10:30 a m .M Cookie Decorating & Holiday Trivia (Family & All Ages)
3-5:30 p mM, B & H Trim the Tree Walk-In Craft (Age 11 & under)No Reg . Required5 p m .M Teens in the Kitchen (Grades 6-12) 6:30 p m . Movie Trivia Night (Age 18+) 5:30 p mM Delectable Lit: Cozy Mysteries (Age 18+) 4:30 p m .B Around the World (Grades 1-5) 6 p m .Zoom Flavors of the Season Virtual Tasting (Family & All Ages) ALL MPHPL LOCATIONS CLOSING AT 12:30 P.M. STAFF IN-SERVICE
10:30 a m .M Cooking Classics: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes (Age 18+) 6 p m .B Night Owl Storytime (Age 11 & under) 3:30 p m .M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required4:30-7 p m .H Winter Wonderfest (Family & All Ages) 10:15 a . mH Early Explorers (Age 5 & under)No Reg . Required3:30 p . mM Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg . Required6:30 p . mM MHS Jazz Ensemble Holiday Performance (Family & All Ages)No Reg . Required3:30 p . mB Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg . Required5:30 p . mB BINGO (Age 18+) 10:15 a . mB Early Explorers (Age 5 & under)No Reg . Required10:30 a . mH Chapter Chats: Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan (Age 18+) 6:30 p . mH Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Lock-In (Grades 6-12)
Some programs have varying age groups. These programs have specific ages listed below the event. Programs are subject to change. Should a program be canceled, patrons will be notified at least 72 hours prior to the program.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10:30 a m .M Cooking Classics: Stuffed Peppers (Age 18+) 4:30 p m .M Winter Picture Bingo (Ages 2-11)
Harris Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p . mB Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg RequiredBittersweet Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg . Required5:30 p m .H Slow Cooker Social (Age 18+) Mishawaka Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p m .M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required5:30 p m .M American Heritage Spotlight (Ages 18+)No Reg Required10:15 a m .M Saturday Morning Book Club: China Dolls by Lisa See (Age 18+) 10:30 a m .M Dog Man™: Call of Duty (Grades K-5) ALL MPHPL LOCATIONS CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF NEW YEAR'S DAY 10 a m . -NoonM Winter Reading Kickoff Party! (Family & All Ages)No Reg . Required10:30 a m .M Stevens Puppets presents The Wizard of Oz (Family & All Ages) 2:30 p m .H Teen Bingo (Grades 6-12)
Harris Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p mB Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required -
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required10:30 a m .H Chapter Chats: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (Age 18+) 5 p mM Teens in the Kitchen (Grades 6-12) Mishawaka Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p mM Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required10:30 a . mB Personalize Your Planner! (Age 18+)
10:15 a m .M Puzzle Tournament! (Age 18+)
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required -
Harris Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p m .B Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg . Required 5:30 p m .B BINGO (Age 18+)
Harris Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p m .B Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required10:30 a mH & Zoom Paint with Us! (Age 18+)
! REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR FEB . & MARCH PROGRAMS!
Mishawaka Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p m .M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg RequiredChildren (Birth-Entering Grade 5) Storytime Teens (Grades 6-12) Adults (Age 18+) Family & All Ages Mishawaka Library Location Bittersweet Branch Location Harris Branch Location Off-Site Event
Mishawaka Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required3:30 p m .M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg Required -
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 15 for details)No Reg Required5:30 p m .M Family Literacy Day (Family & All Ages)No Reg Required -
Co-Sponsored by
Jan. 2-Feb. 28
BEGINNING
MON., DEC. 16:
Visit any MPHPL location to pick up a Winter Reading Challenge card.
STARTING
THURS., JAN. 2:
Mark a square for each reading (or listening) activity you complete.
Complete all five squares marked with the and show your card at one of the service desks to earn the following prizes*
Birth-Age 5:
Animal Bath
Toy OR Farm
Animal Plush
Teens:
Robot Fidget Spinner OR Popcorn & Candy
Grades K-5:
Farm Animal Plush OR Mini Animal Building Block Set
Adults: Popcorn & Candy OR Resin Book Page Holder
Visit mphpl.org/reading-challenge or scan the QR code for more details!
Community in the
Winterfest
Ironworks Plaza | Sat., Dec. 7 | 5-9 p.m. | Family & All Ages
The Mishawaka Parks and Rec Department will be hosting their annual Winterfest event . The library will have a crafting table with a variety of projects!
No registration required.
Please note: if inclement weather occurs, the library will not be at the event .
Flavors of the Season Virtual Tasting
Live on Zoom | Mon., Dec. 9 | 6-6:45 p.m. | Family & All Ages
Come explore popular flavors of the winter season with us at our virtual tasting! Participants will receive goodies to try and learn the history of those classic flavors .
Registration required. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants . Limit one kit per household .
Mishawaka High School Jazz Ensemble Holiday Performance
Mishawaka Library | Tues., Dec. 10 6:30-7:15 p.m. | Family & All Ages
Listen to the sounds of the season with the Mishawaka High School Jazz Ensemble! Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age .
No registration required.
Winter Wonderfest
Harris Branch | Tues., Dec. 17
4:30-7 p.m. | Family & All Ages
Families are invited to join us for crafts (also great for gift-giving), games, a family photo and a snowball fight! Enjoy some hot cocoa while enjoying the festivities . Thanks to Silly Safaris®, everyone will have a chance to get a picture with a real reindeer!
Please note: If inclement weather occurs, the event will be canceled .
Registration required. Register for one 45 minute session (one registration form per family) . Please select your first and second time slot choice; you will receive an email confirming your time slot . Preference is given to library cardholders All others will be placed on a waiting list
Cookie Decorating & Holiday Trivia
Mishawaka Library | Sat., Dec. 21
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Family & All Ages
Join us for a morning of cookie decorating while listening to festive music and answering holiday trivia! Stay for the whole hour or leave when you are done decorating (and eating) your cookie! Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age .
Registration required. One cookie per person, available only for those in attendance while supplies last .
Family Literacy Day
Mishawaka Library | Mon, Jan. 27
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Family & All Ages
Celebrate Family Literacy Day with us . We will have literacy-based games, activities and fun for all ages! Light refreshments will be served . Each family will choose one free book to take home . Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age .
No registration required.
Kids in the Kitchen
Grades K-2
Tues., Dec. 3
4:30-5 p.m. Mishawaka Library
Children
Grades 3-5
Wed., Dec. 4
4:30-5:15 p.m. Mishawaka Library
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes . The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! Adult caregivers must remain in the library . Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Trim the Tree Walk-In Craft
All Locations | Thurs., Dec. 5 3-5:30 p.m. | Age 11 & under
Join us as we prepare for the holiday season with festive ornaments to trim your tree
One ornament per child, available only for those in attendance while supplies last
No registration required.
Around the World
Bittersweet Branch | Mon., Dec. 9 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Grades 1-5
Ready to travel the world? During this fun and informative program, you’ll learn about countries from around the world through games, recipes and crafts Adult caregivers must remain in the library This month we will be learning about Germany! Registration required.
Early Explorers
Harris Branch | Tues., Dec. 10
Mishawaka Library | Wed., Dec. 11
Bittersweet Branch | Thurs., Dec. 12
10:15-11 a.m. | Age 5 & under
Join us for a morning of early literacy fun! We’ll have a variety of play and sensory stations set up for little ones to practice important literacy skills . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
No registration required.
Night Owl Storytime
Bittersweet Branch | Mon., Dec. 16
6-6:30 p.m. | Age 11 & under
Everyone enjoys one bedtime story, but what about three? Join us for our evening storytime with books, songs and a take-home craft . Adult caregivers must remain in the room
Registration required.
Snow Globe Make & Shake
Harris Branch | Fri., Dec. 27 10:15-11 a.m. | Age 11 & under
Design and make your own paper plate snow globe shaker . Use our precut designs or make your own with our supplies . Your imagination is your only limit! Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age
Registration required.
Parents, Caregivers and Classroom Teachers:
Select up to three topics per book bundle.
MPHPL librarians will select your books!
Books will be ready at the Circulation desk at the location of your choice.
Children
Happy Noon Year!
Mishawaka Library | Mon., Dec. 30
11:15 a.m.-Noon | Age 7 & under
Join us for games, activities and a craft as we count down to the new year . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
Registration required.
Dog Man™: Call of Duty
Mishawaka Library | Sat., Jan. 11 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Grades K-5
Join us for a morning of crime stopping fun! We will have games, crafts, activities and snacks . Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants in grades K-2; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants in grades 3-5 .
Registration required.
Winter Picture Bingo
Mishawaka Library | Mon., Jan. 13
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Ages 2-11
Enjoy an afternoon of winter picture bingo! A variety of prizes will be available . Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age .
Registration required.
Dog Man is a registered trademark of Dav Pilkey . Dav Pilkey is not a sponsor of this free library event .
Bouncin' Babies
Birth-23 Months
Bouncin' Babies is a structured 20 minute program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language . Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver . Caregivers are expected to participate as able .
No registration required.
Mishawaka Library
Tuesdays: Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Li'l Listeners
Ages 2-5
Li'l Listeners is a structured 30 minute program in which books, story-related activities and take-home crafts provide an enjoyable group experience . Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver . Caregivers are expected to participate as able .
No registration required.
Harris Branch
Wednesdays: Jan. 8, 15, 22 & 29 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Bittersweet Branch
Thursdays: Jan. 9, 16, 23 & 30 10:15-10:45 a.m.
INCLEMENT WEATHER STATEMENT: If PHM and Mishawaka Schools are canceled or on a 2-hour delay, Storytime will be canceled for that day. If one school system closes, please call the storytime location to verify the event is still being held.
PHOTO/VIDEO POLICY: We often take photographs and video at library events to use in our publications, on our website, social media and/or video sharing platforms. For registered events, by selecting ‘Yes’ under Photo and Video Permission, the library assumes that permission has been given. For non-registered events you will have the option to opt out during the event.
Children
encourages parents & caregivers to provide positive, nurturing early experiences by reading aloud daily to children.
MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS:
100 BOOKS
• Emmett A .
• Charlotte D .
• Easton D .
• Nikolai H
• Kieran M
• Sierra M .
• Kindley O .
• Rose O .
• Grace W .
• Eva
200 BOOKS
• Theo B .
• Rafael E .
• Colton K .
• Jack Joseph M .
• Alex P.
• Trevor P.
• Brody R .
• Atlas S
• Isla S
• Lorelai S .
• Eleanor S .
• Josie S .
300 BOOKS
• Sophia C .
• Tasia F .
• Otis M .
• Alex S
• Barrett S
400 BOOKS
• Annie B .
• Lucy B .
• Piper B .
• Willow H .
• Zion H .
• Oliver L .
• Jacob L .
• Nolan M .
• Evelyn S .
500 BOOKS
• Jordyn A
• Raelyn A
• Penelope N .
• Aria P.
• Lucia S .
• Thomas W .
600 BOOKS
• Sadie C .
• Caspian J .
• Blair L .
• Gretchen M
• Henley M
• Maeve W .
700 BOOKS
• Gabriel S .
• Liam W .
800 BOOKS
• Theodore H .
• Ellie M .
• Mark S .
900 BOOKS
• Gabie C
• Easton G
• Ellis M .
1000 BOOKS
• Lucy F .
• Wesley F .
Teen Gaming
Grades 6-12 | 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Tuesdays at Mishawaka Library (no sessions on 12/24 & 12/31)
Wednesdays at Bittersweet Branch (no sessions on 12/11, 12/25 & 1/1)
Join us in the teen department for gaming! Play our Nintendo Switch™ or choose from an assortment of card, dice and board games . Stop in and play for a few minutes or join us for the full two hours .
No registration required.
Teens in the Kitchen
Mishawaka Library
Thursdays: Dec. 5 & Jan. 9 5-5:45 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill in the kitchen? Now is your chance! Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations Adult caregivers must sign permission slip on-site
Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Lock-In
Harris Branch | Fri., Dec. 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Join us for an evening of holiday fun! See if you can beat the clock in a handful of holiday-themed challenges, create a tasty drink at the hot chocolate bar, decorate a cookie and answer holiday trivia . Pizza will be served . Teens must have a permission slip signed on file or an adult caregiver must sign a permission slip on-site . No admittance after 6:45 p .m .
Registration required.
Last Minute DIY Gifts
Mishawaka Library | Mon., Dec. 23
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Still need a last minute gift for that special person? We will have several small DIY materials to choose from so you can make the perfect gift Enjoy festive music and holiday cookies as you work!
Registration required.
Teen Bingo
Harris Branch | Thurs., Jan. 2 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Join us for bingo and snacks! Winners will choose from an assortment of small prizes and earn raffle tickets for a drawing at the end of the program for a chance to win a dinosaur chicken nugget pillow .
Registration required.
News Collection is now available with your MPHPL card.
Our expanded access now includes full-image editions of local newspapers including South Bend Tribune and The Journal Gazette, as well as USA Today!
Available anywhere with your MPHPL card! Visit mphpl.org/online-resources and scroll down to the news section.
Local Author Fair
Mishawaka Library | Tues., Dec. 3
5-7 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Come join us for our annual Local Author Fair for adults! We will be showcasing a variety of local authors and their work . Feel free to meet and greet the authors . Snacks will be provided . No registration required.
Saturday Morning Book Club
Mishawaka Library
1st Saturdays: Dec. 7 & Jan. 4
10:15-11:15 a.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us at our Mishawaka Library to discuss the month’s book selection . Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library .
Dec. 7: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Jan. 4: China Dolls by Lisa See Registration required for each session.
Chapter Chats
Harris Branch 2nd Thursdays: Dec. 12 & Jan. 9
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Adults (18+)
Join us at our Harris Branch to chat about each month’s book selection . Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Harris Branch
Dec. 12: Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
Jan. 9: I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron
Registration required for each session.
Movie Trivia Night
Mishawaka Library | Fri., Dec. 13
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Celebrate all things film at our Movie Trivia Night! We’ll cover movies from the 1930s through today with questions about actors, settings, soundtracks and more . The winning team will receive a prize! During this event, we will also be taking donations of non-perishable food items for the Mishawaka Food Pantry . Any participant who donates an item will be entered for a chance to win a small prize . Teams must have 2-6 members . Registration required and limited to 15 teams.
Make with Us: Needle
Felted Ornaments
Bittersweet Branch | Sat., Dec. 14
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us for a morning of crafting and conversation . Participants will be given all the supplies needed to create a needle felted ornament, which could be a great gift or decor for a tree!
Registration required.
Cooking Classics
Mishawaka Library
Mondays: Dec. 16 & Jan. 13
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults (18+)
Want to try your hand at easy culinary creations? Join us as we experiment with different flavors to make irresistibly delicious goodies!
Dec. 16: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Jan. 13: Stuffed Peppers
Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
BINGO
Bittersweet Branch
Wednesdays: Dec. 18 & Jan. 22
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us for an evening of bingo and beverages! Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize .
Registration required for each session.
Delectable Lit
Mishawaka Library | Thurs., Dec. 19
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Nothing beats a good book and a good snack . In this unique book and food club, we can combine the two! Join us for a genre study where we’ll discuss and learn about different book genres . This month we’ll be discussing cozy mysteries! Participants will also get to make a delectable dish based on that month’s genre .
Registration required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Personalize Your Planner!
Bittersweet Branch | Mon., Jan. 6
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults (18+)
Start the new year off right by learning how to create a planner that works best for your lifestyle and interests! We’ll discuss and practice both productive and fun ways to stay organized .
Registration required.
American Heritage Spotlight
Mishawaka Library
Tues., Jan. 14
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adults (18+)
Join us for Over a Century on Wheels: Explore Over 100 years of Transportation History with Kyle Sater, curator at the Studebaker National Museum This presentation tells the Studebaker story from the family’s arrival in America to the present day and illustrates the company’s growth from a two-man blacksmith shop to the world’s largest wagon manufacturer and its transition to automobile production . The program covers Studebaker’s history beyond its products, addressing the company’s impact on the community and its legacy in the 21st century .
No registration required.
Slow Cooker Social
Harris Branch | Thurs., Jan. 16
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us as we explore unique ways to use your slow cooker to create a variety of warm beverages perfect for the winter season . Participants will watch a demonstration, sample a yummy drink and share their slow cooker recipes!
Registration required.
Paint with Us!
Harris Branch/Live on Zoom
Fri., Jan. 24 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. Adults (18+)
Come embrace your artistic side at one of our painting events! We will use glass as our canvas with the option of creating your own design or working with our templates This is a great program for all experience levels .
Registration required. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to Zoom registrants
Puzzle Tournament!
Mishawaka Library | Sat., Jan. 25 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Attention puzzle enthusiasts! Grab some friends to see just how fast you can put together a jigsaw puzzle . Each team of puzzlers will be given the same 500-piece puzzle to complete The first team to finish their puzzle will win a small prize . Teams must have 2-4 members .
Registration required and limited to 6 teams.
Photo/Video Policy
We often take photographs and video at library events to use in our publications, on our website, social media and/or video sharing platforms . For registered events, by selecting ‘Yes’ under Photo and Video Permission, the library assumes that permission has been given . For non-registered events, you will have the option to opt out during the event .
